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Isabel Erickson
I have experience with data analysis, experimental design, data quality management, and literature reviews that can be applied to clinical projects. I have had the opportunity to do chairside observation of clinical specimen collection and have managed and tracked through data generation ten derivative samples per patient. I am searching for a research assistant position on a clinical project in order to further my goal of attending graduate school for clinical psychology.
Education
B.A. Biology (Philosophy Minor)
Swarthmore College
Swarthmore, PA
2018 - 2014
- Thesis: Unusual Composition and Predicted Function of the Gut Microbiomes of Avian Nectarivores as Revealed by 16S rDNA Analysis
- Graduated with High Honors
Research Positions
IRTA Postbaccalaureate, NHGRI
Segre Laboratory
National Institute of Health
2019 - 2018
- Improved reference-based classification of microbial DNA from human samples by determining that a significant percentage of metagenomic reads derived from skin isolates were environmental contaminants from diverse sources.
- Performed culturomics, generating ~2000 bacterial isolates from the skin of healthy volunteers. Extracted DNA from 500 colonies for whole genome sequencing. Catalogued and organized all samples.
- Wrote a bash script to build a lab-specific Kraken2 reference database. Wrote a tutorial in Rmarkdown to integrate database into lab metagenomics pipeline.
Honors thesis research, Microbiology lab
Vollmer Laboratory
Swarthmore College
2017
- Using illumina sequencing of DNA extracted and amplified from hummingbird fecal samples, determined that the hummingbird gut microbiome is dominated by Actinobacteria
- Recieved and tracked ~300 biological samples from a collaborator in the field and developed a system to ensure that all material derived from these samples (extracted DNA, amplicons, sequencing data) could be matched to data collected in the field.
- Performed a literature review to guide experimental design and protocol development.
Undergraduate Researcher, Developmental Biology lab
Davidson lab
Swarthmore College
2015
- Determined that left-right asymmetry development in Ciona intestinalis depends on the presence of the embryonic chorion but not on asymmetric expression of pitx, furthering the lab’s goals of elucidating cardiac development.
- Established lab protocol for in situ hybridization using an antisense RNA probe.
- Using a confocal microscope, developed protocol for live imaging of cardiac precursor cell migration.
Teaching
Microbial Ecology TA
Microbial biology lab
Swarthmore College
2016
- Worked with a professor as part of a group of four to plan and prepare reagents, plates, and cultures for lab.
- Demonstrated techniques of microbial biology to a class of twelve students and guided students through laboratory exercises.
Tutor
Dare to Soar
Chester, PA
2016
- Assisted groups of 10-20 elementary and middle school students with reading and math homework for 2 hours per week as part of a team of 2-3 tutors.
- Engaged with students of varied backgrounds and interests to encourage appreciation for academics.
Tutor
Science for Kids
Swarthmore, PA
2015
- Taught group of 15 middle-school children scientific concepts including projectile motion and basic coding.
Tutor
Science for Kids
Swarthmore, PA
2015
- Taught group of 5 high-school age children biological concepts around DNA duplication, expression, and regulation.
- Oversaw student-run experiments to improve understanding of embryo development, enzyme regulation, and cell growth.
- Provided students with guidance in scientific writing in preparation for a poster presentation at a community science fair.
Presentations
American Society for Microbiology
Poster presentation: Changes in hummingbird gut microbiomes in relation to migratory fattening cycles
Atlanta, GA
June 2018
Society for Integrative and Comparative Biology
Poster presentation: Gut Microbiota of Sympatric Migratory and Resident Hummingbirds
Tampa, FL
January 2019
NIH Translational & Functional Genomics Branch Meeting
Oral presentation: You find what you look for: Improving reference-based methods of classifying metagenomic sequences
Bethesda, MD
April 2019
Other Work
Line Cook
Bar Harbor Lobster Company
Bar Harbor, ME
2019
- Coordinated timing of meal production between three teams to ensure prompt and high quality food for guests.
- Monitored and maintained stocks of food prepared for service.
- Ensured food safety through proper labelling, storage, and organization of ingredients.
Line cook and baking assistant
Sweet Pea’s Cafe
Bar Harbor, ME
2016
- Worked as part of a team of seven to prepare ingredinets for use on the line during service and with a team of four during service to cook meals.
- Maintained sourdough culture through daily feeding and temperature regulation for use in baking sourdough, brioche, pizza dough, baguettes, and focaccia.
- Helped maintain inventory by identifying ingredients for purchase and prep.